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Elevation: 6,322 ft
GPS: 37.7275, -119.53364
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Shared By: mucci on Apr 2, 2007 · Updates
Admins: Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes
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Description Suggest change

Liberty Cap is located between Mt. Broderick and Nevada falls on the John Muir Trail. Climbing in such an iconic setting is just part of the draw to this dome. Warren Harding made his mark, right up the middle as usual, completing the First ascent of the SW face. It was on this ascent that the practice of drilling holes for upward progression(bathooking) was first used.

The stone is bullet hard Half Dome granodiorite. With it's many splitter cracks and huge corners, Liberty cap tends to be very cam friendly on most of the routes. The summit offers a 360 degree view of little yosemite valley, Mt. Starking, and the huge S. face of Half dome.

Getting There Suggest change

Begin by starting on the "Mist" trail which is the start of the JMT. You will follow the trail past Vernal Falls, across a bridge, where Liberty Cap finally comes into full view. As you make your way toward Nevada Falls, right when the trail touches the apron, you head climbers left along the base. Follow this down and around to the Western end of the formation.

A large diagonal approach ledge is gained at the far left end of the base. Great care is necessary along this ledge especially if you are shuttling gear. Many spots along the way are loose.

There is a rappel anchor located at the start of the SW face route. A 2 rope rappel to an intermediate anchor on the face , then another 2 rope rappel to the ground brings you to the base directly under the middle of the wall. Another option is to haul from these anchors if you fix 2 ropes down to the ground for your ascent.

18 Total Climbs

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Location: F. Liberty Cap Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Liberty Cap

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a C2+
 40
Southwest Face
Aid 11 pitches
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
 5
Controlled Substance
Trad 9 pitches
5.12 7b+ 27 VIII+ 26 E6 6b
 37
Scarface (Free)
Trad 12 pitches
5.12+ 7c 28 IX 27 E6 6b
 4
Mahtah
Trad 15 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Southwest Face
 40
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a C2+ Aid 11 pitches
Controlled Substance
 5
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b Trad 9 pitches
Scarface (Free)
 37
5.12 7b+ 27 VIII+ 26 E6 6b Trad 12 pitches
Mahtah
 4
5.12+ 7c 28 IX 27 E6 6b Trad 15 pitches
More Classic Climbs in Liberty Cap »

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